Foundation Sires

The legendary Yasufuku J930 was considered to be the greatest of all Wagyu sires by Kenichi Ono in his text, 100 Outstanding Wagyu in Japan. Ono pronounced him the “most well-balanced bull of all Wagyu” and used the words “ultimate” and “perfection” to describe

Yasufuku’s meat. In a 2009 press release by Kinki University, Yasufuku J930 was called “Sire of Hida Ushi” because he was “one of the most important sires in the history of Japanese Black Wagyu for its breeding achievements.” As such, Yasufuku was the originator of world-famous Hida-gyu (aka Hida) beef. Yasufuku was born April 1^st, 1980, in Mitaka County, Hyogo Prefecture, and died September 28, 1993 at age 13.

Originally named Fukumi, he was named Yasufuku by the Mayor of Gifu when the prefecture bought him at auction in 1981 for the highest price ever paid for a bull calf: 10 million yen (almost $90,000 in today’s USD). In May 1984, the indirect progeny testing was completed (DG: 0.83kg; BMS: +4.1; Rib Eye: 49cm²; declared the “best score ever in the prefecture”). During his lifetime, he produced over 80,000 straws of semen. Yasufuku J930 was a carrier of the CL16 recessive condition.

There are currently over 150 sires and approximately 30% of the 68,000 Japanese Kuroge Wagyu that carry Yasufuku’s genes in their blood. Yasufuku sired over 40,000 offspring, and 80,000 straws of semen were collected on him before his death. He was cloned in 2007 – 16 embryos were implanted, 5 cows were confirmed pregnant and 4 calves were born. One died shortly after birth and another died 5 months later. There are no plans to produce any beef for consumption utilizing these Yasufuku clones.

Yasufuku J930 is linebred to Yasumi Doi J10328 and sired by Yasutani Doi J472. Yasufuku was the 3^rd progeny of Chizuru, his dam (sired by Yasumi Doi).

In the Japanese 2001 Sire Evaluation Report, Yasufuku J930 is listed as the sire of the three highest marbling sires in Japan: number one, Yasufuku 165-9 (the sire that made Yasufuku famous); number two, Fukusakae; and number three, Yasuhira. (All three were CL16+).

In the ninth Zenkyo (2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition, held once every five years), Yasufuku J930 bloodlines dominated the contest, siring one champion and grandsiring two others. Yasufuku J930 was also the maternal grandsire of two runners-up and grandsire of the other runner-up. Yasufuku J930’s name appeared on all three champion sires and all three runners-up.

Offspring of Yasufuku J930 produced one carcass that sold at auction for $97,000 at the 2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition. Other carcasses produced by descendants of Yasufuku J930 sold for $45,000, $42,600, $49,000 and $68,000. Progeny of Yasufuku are, across the board, known for excellent meat quality, good average daily weight gain, and calm temperament.

Yasufuku J930 has only one son available as a sire outside Japan: WKS Yasufuku Jr.

WKS Yasufuku  Jr is a linebred bull, like his sire Yasufuku J930 and traces three times to Yasumi Doi J10328. His dam sire, also sired by Yasumi Doi, is Monjiro 11550.

Yasufuku Jr is 100% Tajima, as was Yasufuku J930. He was born September 2, 1997 in Tottori Prefecture, Japan and exported to the US as a bull calf by the Mannett Group.

In the 2017 LMCC Sire Performance Study, Yasufuku Jr ranks #1 for IMF% as Sire (33.34% IMF based on 35 carcasses) and as Dam Sire (34.11% IMF based on 35 carcasses). WKS Yasufuku Jr is also the #1 Dam Sire for Marble Fineness (32.48 based on the same 35 images studied).
BREEDPLAN estimates that Yasufuku Jr is a Trait Leader and ranks in the top 1% of the breed for both Birth Weight EBV (-3.1) and Rump Fat EBV (+2.6). He is also a Trait Leader and ranks in the top 3% for Ribeye Area (EMA) EBV (+3.5), and in the top 2% for Rib Fat EBV (+1.5).

It is somewhat baffling, given the results of the LMCC study and the study* completed in 2012 by Australian Wagyu expert, Greg Gibbons, showing Yasufuku Jr as the highest marbling sire, that his Marble Score is so low. A sterling example of his ability as a sire is pictured (9339W).

Yasufuku Jr is a carrier of the recessive gene CL16, as was his father and many of his siblings, in the Yasufuku family line, including Yasufuku 165-9.

*AWA 2012 Carcase Digital Imaging, a report by Greg Gibbons, presented at the Australian Wagyu Association Conference in 2012. Study compared 12 renowned Fullblood Wagyu sires resulting in WKS Yasufuku Jr as the highest marbling sire of the 12 (40.8% IMF based on images of 6 carcasses).

LMR Yasufuku 9339W (Yasufuku Jr x Sanjirou 4P) – 46.40% IMF

Kitaguni 7-8 J1530 is a significant Fujiyoshi/Shimane/Itozakura sire and perhaps the most famous son of Dai 7 Itozakura J65. He was born February 5, 1984 in Shimane Prefecture. As his name suggests, Kitaguni 7の8  was the 8^th calf of its dam, Kitaguni 7 – who was considered by Ono-san to be “the finest of all Kedaka cows”. Kitaguni 7 lived 19 years and produced 15 calves — three bulls and 12 heifers. Ono says that “all her lines are prolific” and marble well.

When Kitaguni’s indirect testing was completed in 1990, it was overshadowed by very stable Yasufuku 165-9 harvest results, so 7の8 did not get much attention until around 1993. But once he became known, Kitaguni 7の8  managed to leave everyone else in the dust, winning nationwide carcass contests four years in a row: 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Kitaguni 7-8 J1530 sired the Grand Champion at the seventh Zenkyo held in Iwate Prefecture in 1997. And he was the maternal grandsire of record for carcasses that sold for $32,000 and $26,000 at the 2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition.

It is said that most of the cattle in Japan are descended from three animals: Hirashigekatsu in Kagoshima Prefecture, Yasufuku J930 in Gifu Prefecture and Kitaguni 7の8 in Shimane Prefecture. During his lifetime, Kitaguni 7の8 produced over 100,000 straws of semen.

Kitaguni 7-8 J1530’s name figures prominently in current Japanese pedigrees, often crossed with sons or daughters of the Yasufuku line. The quality of the meat produced by Kitaguni 7-8 J1530 is considered to be consistently excellent.

Japanese Registration Certificate – Kitaguni 7の8

WKS Kitaguni  Jr, a valuable son of Kitaguni 7の8 J1530, was born October 7, 1994 shortly after WKS Nakayuki J13943, his dam, arrived in the United States (exported by the Mannett Group).

In the 2017 LMCC Sire Performance Study WKS Kitaguni Jr, with 55 carcasses studied ranks 3^rd with an average of 31.71%, following Yasufuku Jr and his own son, LMR Koichi 1409Y. And with 13 images studied as Dam Sire, Kitaguni Jr displays his staying power by ranking #2 (33.03%). And in terms of Marble Fineness Kitaguni Jr ranks 4^th as both Sire and Dam Sire. See photographs of his extraordinary capabilities as sire (8166U) and as dam sire (3487A).

In the relatively short time Lone Mountain has used Kitaguni Jr in our breeding program, he has produced no fewer than five outstanding LMR herd sires, some of whom are already proving themselves to be extraordinary sires: LMR Koichi 1409Y (#2 Sire for IMF%, as noted above) and LMR Kitaguni 1441Y (who has already produced a carcass grading over 52% IMF) – and grand-sired one (LMR Taisuke 401B) whom we have very high hopes for that has just begun seeing calves on the ground.

Kitaguni Jr has an exemplary set of BREEDPLAN figures. He is a Trait Leader and ranks in the top 1% for Birth Weight EBV (-2.7). Kitaguni ranks in the top 1% for Marble Score EBV (+1.4) and in the top 3% for Rib Fat EBV (+1.4).

LMR Kitaguni 8166U – Kitaguni Jr x Yasufuku Jr – 50.2% IMF

LMR Yasufuku 3487A – Yasufuku Jr x Kitaguni Jr – 44.89% IMF

It may be said that the first four Wagyu bulls left Japan the way Victor Laszlo left Casablanca — hastily and surreptitiously, with the authorities hot on the trail. That quartet of Japanese sires (two Black Wagyu: Mazda and Mt Fuji; two Red Wagyu: Rueshaw and Judo) formed the entire genetic basis for all American Wagyu for almost two decades. Seventeen years passed before any more bulls were allowed to leave Japan, and even those were not exactly sent off with a ticker-tape parade, since Japan has traditionally been very protective of its Wagyu.

The second round of departures occurred in 1993, and in that small group of two bulls and three heifers was WKS Michifuku, born August 4, 1992 and registered in Yamagata Prefecture. Michifuku, who is 100% Tajima, has been called the best carcass bull ever to leave Japan.

WKS Michifuku was sired by Monjiro 11550, listed by Kenichi Ono as #7 on his list of the top 15 most outstanding Wagyu of Japan. Monjiro, sired by Yasumi Doi J10328, was born March 15, 1981 in Hyogo Prefecture and was the 11^th calf by his dam, Harumi. Monjiro, originally named Harutoshi 2, was just a yearling when he won the number two spot at the Zenkyo (All-Japan Wagyu Show) and was auctioned for $160,000. Descendants of Monjiro 11550 produced carcasses that sold at auction for $16,000, $18,000 and $21,000 at the 2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition.

Michifuku’s dam, Michiko J655635, was sired by Tanishige 1526, grandsired by Yasutani Doi J472 and great-grandsired by Yasumi Doi J10328. Yasumi Doi J10328 also grandsired Yasufuku J930, and appears twice in Michifuku’s pedigree. Yasumi Doi J10328 and Yasutani Doi J472 are considered to be two of the most famous of the Tajima/Tajiri line. This lineage supports Michifuku’s high regard.

BREEDPLAN ranks Michifuku as a Trait Leader and above the top 1% for Ribeye Area (+7.6) and ranks in the top 1% for three other performance traits: Retail Beef Yield (+1.2); Marble Score (+1.3);  and Marble Fineness (+0.47). Note Michifuku’s marbling ability at right (4337B).

WKS Sanjirou, sired by WKS Michifuku, has the potential to become one of the most influential sires of the Tajima line. Sanjirou was born June 28, 1994 at Hawkeye Breeders in Adel, Iowa. He is 100% Tajima – and linebred to legendary Yasumi Doi J10328, celebrated for his ability to produce outstanding offspring, including his most famous son Yasutani Doi J472.

Sanjirou is out of the prominent Japanese cow Suzutani who represents one of the most potent bloodlines in Japan. Suzutani’s sire was Tanishige J1526, whose progeny test results demonstrate that he has heritable traits with a BMS score +3.1 (well above the national average of +2.1) and a Yield Grade of 72.7 percent. Suzutani’s dam, Suzunami, was sired by Shigeshigenami J10632 who is largely unknown in the United States but has a reputation for producing some of the best genetics in Japan – e.g., Shigeshigetani.

Sanjirou’s genetic background suggests that he will have ideal meat production efficiency, with great meat quality, large REA, thick rib, and high yield rate. Supporting that notion, in the 2017 LMCC Sire Performance Study, Sanjirou ranks 5^th based on 14 imaged carcasses (30.15%) but it should be noted that there was less than 1% difference in IMF% between #3, #4 and #5 sires (TF148 and Yojimbo were 3^rd and 4^th). Similarly, Sanjirou in that same study, was ranked #5 Sire for REA, but it should also be noted that less than 0.06”² REA separated him from the #2 sire, LMR Masahiko 1250Y. Sanjirou’s son, Bar R Sanjirou 4P, was ranked #3 as Dam Sire for both IMF% (30.50% with 16 images studied) and REA (14.33”²).

Sanjirou’s BREEDPLAN performance has him off the charts and in the top 1% for Ribeye Area EBV (+9.1) and Retail Beef Yield (+3.6) and in the top 10% for Marble Score EBV (+0.8). Evidence of Sanjirou’s prowess as Sire (9304W) and Dam Sire (1257Y) is shown.

LMR YASUFUKU 1257Y – Yasufuku Jr x Sanjirou – 39.84% IMF

LMR SANJIROU 9304W – Sanjirou x Michifuku – 38.88% IMF

Shigeshigetani, born August 30, 1994, represents a very powerful genetic strain of the Wagyu breed.

Shigeshigetani is Sanjirou’s half-brother, but more closely bred than most half-siblings: Suzutani is the mother of both Shigeshigetani and Sanjirou. Shigeshigetani’s sire is Haruki II, the half-brother of Michifuku, and both were sired by the same bull, Monjiro 11550. Monjiro 11550 is linebred to Tajima J105, great-grandsire of Yasumi Doi J10328.

Suzutani’s dam sire was Shigeshigenami J10632, born in 1972 in Hyogo, was originally named Masaki, but the name was changed when the prefecture bought him as a prospective sire. (However, a year after Hyogo Prefecture purchased it, Shigeshigenami was sold to Yodomi-san, a calf grower, who entered him in a Miyagi auction in June 1974 – he was purchased for the then unbelievable price of 4.5 million yen, by the prefecture. By the time of his death in 1980, almost 30% of all Wagyu calves in Miyagi Prefecture had been sired by Shigeshigenami.) He is widely known in Japan for significantly bolstering the quality of Wagyu in Miyagi.

In the 2017 LMCC Sire Performance Study, Shigeshigetani ranks 3^rd for Average REA (14.15”² with 36 carcasses studied), trailing only Hirashigetayasu ETJ001 and LMR Masahiko 1250Y – and 5^th for Marble Fineness (29.81), trailing LMR Akahige 8119U, WKS Kitaguni Jr, BM Hikoshigefuji Y342 and LMR Yojimbo 634S. An example of Shigeshigetani’s proficiency is pictured (8183U).

Shigeshigetani ranks in the top 5% of the breed outside Japan for Birth Weight EBV  (-1.5).

LMR SHIGESHIGETANI 8183U – Shigeshigetani x Michifuku – 43.10% IMF

Itoshigenami TF148 is considered to be one of the very best bulls exported from Japan according to David Blackmore, renowned Australian Wagyu producer, who has written concisely and admirably about him.

There are three key families in the Tajima line: Nakadoi, Okudoi and Kumanami.

A bull named Shigeshigenami is the reason the Kumanami line is on that elite list. Itoshigenami TF148 was sired by Shigeshigenami – a double cross of Shigekanenami and therefore highly inbred in the Kumanami bloodline – the result of a father-daughter mating.

Shigeshigenami was born in 1972 in Hamazaka, Hyogo Prefecture and produced about 150,000 units of semen by the time of his death in 1988. He was bought first by a local calf grower and then a year later by Miyagi Prefecture. His dam, Shigemitsu J774695, (who had 14 calves during her lifetime) bore Shigeshigenami as her 6^th calf. In 1983, at a Tokyo carcass competition, progeny of Shigeshigenami managed the unusual feat of winning first and second place in the same steer category.

Shigeshigenami’s family has extremely potent marbling genes. He is widely known for significantly bolstering the quality of Wagyu in the Miyagi Prefecture. In fact, Kenichi Ono, author of Outstanding Wagyu in Japan, describes Shigeshigenami as the bull most representative of “meat-quality Wagyu.” Assets include a high degree of marbling and a high probability of good characteristics being passed down to progeny.

Itoshigenami is a medium-framed bull said to weigh 1,650 pounds with excellent conformation, he is 75% Tajima and 25% Itozakura and is being used extensively in the Lone Mountain Fullblood breeding program to induce maternal characteristics while enhancing carcass quality.

The Australian Wagyu Sire Research Project has uncovered as the finest of the highly marbling sires: Itoshigenami TF148 out of a Monjiro-line dam (Sanjirou), named Mayura Itoshigenami Jnr A0139. An A0139 ET son (Mayura L0010) was bought for a record-breaking AU$ 105,000 at the 2017 Australian Wagyu Annual conference surpassing the 10 straws of semen from Mayura Itoshigenami Jr that sold in May 2016 in Australia for an astounding figure: AU$30,500.

Itoshigenami is one of the best Wagyu bulls available to breeders in the West – we strongly believe – and it is the prime reason we have used him to create several extraordinary herd sires: e. g., see LMR Aoichi 2468Z. Also, see the photo of LMR Itoshigenami 3456A with an IMF score of 43% IMF.

Itoshigenami TF148 has an exemplary set of BREEDPLAN figures. He is a Trait Leader and ranks in the top 5% for Birth Weight EBV (-0.9). In addition, Itoshigenami ranks in the top 1% for both Marble Score EBV (+1.7) and FTI$ index (+353).

Itoshigenami TF148 is a carrier of F11, but free for all remaining known Wagyu genetic defects.

LMR Itoshigenami 3456A – T

Kitateruyasudoi J2810 (ETJ003) was born March 18, 1993 and exported as a 4 year-old by Mr. Daiji Imori (of ET Japan) to the US to a group called Westholme Wagyu (led by Chris Walker). Two other bulls, Itomoritaka (ETJ002) and Hirashigetayasu (ETJ001) were included in that 1997 transaction, along with 20-25 females. Though the females were ultimately shipped to Australia, all three bulls remained in the US until their death.

Kitateruyasudoi is a son of Terunaga Doi J1472, a preeminent sire of the historical Tajima/Tajiri line and the most famous son of Kikuteru Doi (who occupies both sides of ETJ003’s pedigree). Kitateruyasudoi also traces back to Yasumi Doi J10328 three times.

Kenichi Ono referenced ETJ003’s sire, saying “After Terunaga Doi, there is no other bull within sight with the potential of Yasumi Doi or Yasutani Doi in all of Hyogo Prefecture.” The owner, Naomi Nagaoka, wrote a very detailed book about the birth, life and death of Terunaga Doi, born January 30, 1986, in Muraoka village, Hyogo Prefecture, including the story of Terunaho J240580’s accidental death nine days after giving birth to her son. Terunaga Doi became a bottle-fed orphan who was purchased by Hyogo Prefecture as a yearling. In July 2002, he was the sire of the four bulls representing Hyogo in the Zenkyo – twice.

Terunaga Doi lived to be 16 ½ years old, producing over 40,000 straws in his lifetime and over 20,000 progeny – a stone monument was built to honor his heritage. He was known all over Japan primarily as a dam sire, passing on great maternal traits. When he was euthanized in 2002, he was compared favorably to Yasumi Doi, Kikuteru Doi and Tanifuku Doi.

Terunaga Doi passed on to Kitateruyasudoi the strong prepotency maternal traits, which have exhibited themselves in the Lone Mountain program, with carcasses grading consistently high.

Recently, a deceased Kitateruyasudoi son (Macquarie Wagyu Y408), had 10 straws of semen on offer at the May 2017 Australian Wagyu Elite Wagyu Sale. The lot was bought for an astounding AU$ 28,000 per straw – a stunning purchase: AU$280,000!

BREEDPLAN figures demonstrate his abilities, ranking Kitateruyasudoi J2810 as a Trait Leader and in the top 2% for Birth Weight EBV (-1.6) and in the top 1% for Gestation Length EBV (-2.3). Kitateruyasudoi is in the top 1% for Marble Fineness EBV (+0.50) and in the top 2% for Marble Score EBV (+1.1).

Kitateruyasudoi J2810 (ETJ003) is a carrier of F11, but free for all remaining known Wagyu genetic defects.

Terunaga Doi J472 (1986-2002)

JVP Fukutsuru 068 is perhaps the most famous Wagyu sire in U.S. history, and certainly a prime example of Tajima bloodlines. He leads all sires in marbling in the all the U.S. Wagyu Sire Summaries published by Washington State University, outpacing all other Wagyu sires by a broad margin, since its first publication in 1999.

Dai 2 Yasutsuru Doi J774, a bull born in 1979, in Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture, sired Fukutsuru 068. Yasutsuru Doi, pictured below, was said to be very balanced both in character and quality – his body shape was very much like his sire, Yasumi Doi J10328, and his temperament and quality traits were clearly patterned after his dam, Kikutsuru J978542.  Yasutsuru Doi’s meat production was said to be superb and many of his progeny were used as breeding stock.

Kikutsuru J978542, famously nicknamed “The Hyogo Cow” for her economic contribution to the breed, was born in Hyogo in 1967 and used for breeding until she was 21, giving birth to 16 calves. Dai 2 Yasutsuru Doi was her 10^th calf, and Tanifuku Doi, her 16^th. She had a high level of Tajima/Tajiri genetics flowing through her – her Inbreeding Coefficient is calculated to be 18.3%. Dai 2 Yasutsuru Doi was the first bull who brought acclaim to Kikutsuru. David Blackmore translates Ono: “Unlike breeding bulls, even though Kikutsuru was famous as being representative of breeding cows in Japan, there is no bronze statue to mark her achievements and only the photographs taken by Mr. Yoshio Matsumura remain as part of her valuable research data.”

Fukutsuru 068 traces twice to Kikutsuru. He also traces twice to Yasumi Doi J10328, the sire of Yasutanidoi J472 and Monjiro 11550, and grandsire of Yasufuku 930. Yasumi Doi J10328 is considered to be one of the most prominent members of the Tajima/ Tajiri line, cattle descended from Tajiri, a sire born in the Mikata District of Hyogo Prefecture. The Tajiri is an influential sire line to which almost all strains within Hyogo Prefecture are related. This lineage is known for good temperaments, demonstrated by its large number of influential sires. They also express smaller frames and a lower growth rate.

Fukutsuru 068 was born May 29, 1992 and exported by Japanese Venture Partners (JVP) as a two-year-old to the U.S. in 1994, along with two other bulls and 9 cows.

Current BREEDPLAN results for Fukutsuru 068 rank him the top 10% for the breed in Marble Fineness (+0.24). Carcass performance in the LMW meat program have seen IMF results over 40% from related maternal progeny.

JVP Fukutsuru 068 is a carrier of F11, but free for all remaining known Wagyu genetic defects.

Dai 2 Yasutsuru Doi (1979 – 1995)

WKS Takazakura was sired by Takaei J1412 out of Dai Ni Sakura 7. Takaei was singled out by Kenichi Ono in his influential work, Elite Wagyu of Japan, Volume 1 published in 1999, as being one of the most well-known sons of Yasufuku J930. Ono famously said, “There is only one Yasufuku and Shigeshigenami!”

Yasufuku J930 is to modern Wagyu what the Blues is to modern music. Yasufuku embodies the essence of Wagyu. Born “Fukumi” in Hyogo Prefecture in 1980, the bull that would one day be called Yasufuku was eventually purchased at an auction by Gifu Prefecture for the equivalent of USD$100,000. This undoubtedly seemed like an enormous sum then, and it still seems like an enormous sum now. Still, Gifu Prefecture might have gotten a bargain.

Yasufuku (he was given that new name by the mayor of Gifu) eventually became the originator of world-famous Hida-gyu (aka Hida) beef. Yasufuku was judged the top marbling sire in Japan in the December 2001 Japanese Sire Evaluation Report. Ono pronounced him the “most well-balanced bull of all Wagyu” and used the words “ultimate” and “perfection” to describe Yasufuku’s meat.

Approximately 80,000 straws of semen were collected prior to the bull’s death in the mid-’90s. He sired roughly 40,000 calves in his lifetime. It has been said that more than 30% of Japanese Black cattle are genetically linked to Yasufuku. Progeny of Yasufuku are known for excellent meat quality, good average daily weight gain and calm temperament. In 2009 Japanese scientists created four clones of Yasufuku, but one died.

Yasufuku J930 genetics in the US: Yasufuku Jr & Grandson Takazakura (US) – not to be confused by the Japanese Sire, Takazakura.

Takazakura’s BREEDPLAN figures, while not brilliant, have still shined with low Birth Weight, high Mature Weight and positioned him in the top 25% for both Scrotal Size and Marble Score in comparison to over 60,000 Wagyu (outside Japan) studied.

JVP Kikuyasu 400 is a linebred Kikunoridoi bull. His maternal grandsire is Kikuterudoi, son of Kikunoridoi, who was one of the highest marbling bulls in the history of the Wagyu breed, and arguably the most famous bull bred in Hyogo Prefecture, home of Japanese Kobe Beef.

Kikuyasu Doi, the sire of Kikuyasu 400, sired the Grand Champion Group (of four carcasses) and Grand Champion at the Japanese National Carcass Competition. Kikuyasu 400 was the largest and heaviest Tajima bull to leave Japan. At the time, he weighed an impressive 1,980 lbs.

Kikuyasu 400 sired Kinu 077, a cow that produced progeny which, to date, have all graded BMS +9. Hyogo Prefecture, home of the Tajima line, has designated her dam, Kinu 1, the best foundation stock for breeding.

JVP Kikuyasu 400 is another relative newcomer to the lone Mountain herd whose influence has been as a reference sire and as such we are now seeing grand progeny appearing in the Lone Mountain herd.

JVP Kikuyasu 400 has 15 progeny recorded in the LMR database (345 in total with the US registry). In Australia 575 offspring of JVP Kikuyasu 400 have been recorded.

Kikutsurudoi TF146 is 100% Tajima, tracing back to Yasumi Doi J472 – Kuro Iku three times and exhibiting a double-cross of Kikutsuru J978542, the famous “Hyogo Cow”. TF146 is the result of a half-sib mating, linebred to Yasutani Doi J472 – Kuro Iku (out of Kikutsuru J978542 and Kikutsuru’s daughter, Kikutsuru 8 J311980) – thus the high Inbreeding Coefficient of 24%.

Tanifuku Doi J1606, the sire of TF146, was the 16^th calf out of Kikutsuru. Six of the other progeny also became famous, including Dai 2 Yasutsuru Doi J774 (sire of JVP Fukutsuru 068). Two of Tanifuku Doi’s sons (and TF146 half-sibs) – Kimifuku 3 and Mitsufuku J2748 – are of special interest to Lone Mountain. First, Kimifuku 3 is sire, dam sire and maternal grandsire of bulls – TF726, TF813, TF1012, TF820, TF823, and MFC 434B – and is currently being used in an LMCC breeding evaluation test. Secondly, Mitsufuku J2748 is dam sire of WKS-LMR Michitsugu 3489A (Australian Registration: LMRFJ3489A), one of our new and potentially great herd sires.

Tanifuku Doi, born March 8, 1985 at Mr. Nagase’s farm in Hyogo, achieved the 11^th spot on Kenichi Ono’s 1999 list of 15 elite Wagyu in Japan, and in the 12^th spot was Kikutsuru. Ono called Kikutsuru the “super”, “uber”, “the ultimate cow”. And he called Tanifuku Doi “elite since birth” and “the super star of Hyogo Prefecture” – in 1990 indirect testing, he scored 3.2 BMS – the highest recorded by any young bull of that time. It is said that Tanifuku Doi’s blood is in 50 percent of all Japanese sires today (1999).

Tanifuku Doi’s reputation seemed to suffer in the late 1980’s when it was revealed that he was a Carrier for Band 3, as was his sire, Yasutani Doi. Band 3 is one of the known Wagyu recessive conditions.

TF146 was born May 5, 1996, and was exported to the US by Takeda-san as a yearling bull in 1997. Prominent expert Wagyu breeder David Blackmore has written about TF146 extensively and of the 35 TF146 offspring recorded with the Australian Wagyu Association, he has registered almost 50% of the total. TF146’s semen, as collected, has been described as quite weak – and there has been great difficulty in producing progeny, especially calves produced by embryo transfer.

BREEDPLAN figures show Kikutsurudoi TF146 in the top 1% for Birth Weight EBV (-1.9) and in the top 10% for Marble Score EBV (+0.8).

Kikutsurudoi TF146 is a carrier of F11, but free for all remaining known Wagyu genetic defects.

Kikutsuru Doi TF146 – Original Japanese Registration

Kikutsuru J978542 – “The Hyogo Cow” (1967 – 1987)

The Dai 7 Itozakura J65 line began with his birth, December 10, 1970, in Yokota Town (now Okuizumo Town) in the Nita District, Izumo Region of Shimane Prefecture. Shimane Prefecture is within the Chugoku Region on the main island of Honshu. He was sired by Dai 14 Shigeru, a Fujiyoshi-line sire from Okayama Prefecture, widely known for frame size, weight gain and gentle nature.

In Shimane Prefecture, at the Chugoku Agricultural Testing Livestock Department (CATLD -currently Ota Research Center) a great many Wagyu sires were gathered here from all over Japan – people in Shimane did not mind non-Shimane cattle. So many successful lines were inter-bred and one of the most successful was the breeding of Dai 7 Itozakura – it could be called accidental. Dai 9 Itozakura, one of the few Tajima-line cows being used at CATLD at the time, was the dam of Dai 7 Itozakura. And Dai 7 Itozakura’s dam sire was Shiromatsu, a grandson of Tajiri – and her dam sire was the famous Atsu Doi. None of Itozakura’s 12 brothers became famous. Was it a happy accident, or was Dai 7 simply a rare, genetically mutant bull?

Genetically, Dai 7 Itozakura is only composed of 25% Shimane breeding (the rest is Tajima and Okayama), but his name has become synonymous with Shimane Prefecture.

Prepaid phone cards aren’t as popular in the U.S. as they once were, but there was a time when a teenager or a teenager-at-heart could show his or her allegiance to a pop or rock band by purchasing a phone card bearing its likeness (KISS and ’N Sync were among the more popular bands). Meanwhile, in Japan a consumer could show a different sort of allegiance by buying a phone card bearing the likeness of a celebrity cow. That celebrity cow was Dai 7 Itozakura.

His marbling score was unheard of at the time: fully three times higher than many of the top bulls of his era. Kenichi Ono says Dai 7 Itozakura became known as the smartest economic investment among all Wagyu strains. Dai 7 Itozakura’s strong points included good daily weight gain, a peaceful disposition, and early maturation. Before his death in 1982, 10,000 straws of semen were collected from Dai 7 Itozakura.

Dai 7 Itozakura is listed as second on Kenichi Ono’s 1999 list of 15 most elite Wagyu, behind only Yasufuku J930 and just before Kitaguni 7の8. His genetics are widely represented in the West by the progeny of his sons: Itomichi J1158 (sired TF Itomichi 1-2); Itofuji J483 (Itoshigefuji TF147); Kitaguni 7の8 (WKS Kitaguni Jr); Itohana J809 (TF Itohana 2 & TF Kikuhana); and Itokitazuru J1081 (Itozuru-Doi TF151).

When these bulls are crossed with highly marbling cows, the Itozakura line bulls will enhance growth. Then when the cows are mated back to a highly marbling Tajima bull, the results are larger framed animals that marble extremely well. This rotation breeding plan is known as Modashi Kohai in Japan.

Itoshigefuji TF147, linebred to Dai 7 Itozakura, was born 18 September 1995 at Teruo Nakamura’s farm in Okayama, and exported to the US by Takeda Farms in 1997. He was shipped along with five other Takeda breeding bulls: Itoshigenami TF148, Itozuru Doi TF151, Kikuterushige TF150, Kikutsuru Doi TF146, and Mitsuhikokura TF149.

Shogo Takeda, the brilliant Japanese breeder and friend to Western producers of Wagyu, has written extensively about his bull, Itoshigefuji TF147, in the August 2007 issue of the Australian Wagyu Update. Here are some excerpts:

“The Nakamura family is the leading breeder, from generation to generation, in the region of Atetsu-gun, and has been breeding a direct line of Takenotanitsuru, the oldest ‘tsuru’ [cow families] in Japan. Okayama’s original foundation bull, Dai 13 Hanayama, was produced from this Takenotanizuru.” (Note that those original bloodlines trace back over 300 years).

“I visited Nakamura’s farm in 1988 and made a promise to buy a bull calf from the following crossings: Itofuji J483 x Itomichi J1158/Itofuji J483. After visiting his farm, I sent Itomichi J483 semen to Mr. Nakamura. First, a female offspring Dai 30 Noboru was produced. I was not disappointed with this outcome as she proved suitable for ‘Modoshi Kohai’ [back crossing or rotational breeding] with Itofuji to further increase characteristics I was looking for. The first male progeny was born in 1995, which I later named Itoshigefuji.”

“It took me nine years to produce Itoshigefuji TF147. He was bred using Itomichi J1158, Takeda Farm’s famous sire, son of Dai 7 Itozakura. Itomichi was the best son for marbling and growth and one of only seven in more than 1,000 sons of Dai 7 Itozakura to outperform him.”

Dai 30 Noboru, the dam of Itoshigefuji, was sired by Itomichi J1158. Her mother, Dai 10 Noburu 3, was sired by Itofuji J483 – the beginnings of Modoshi Kohai for Takeda-san. Itofuji J483 was born 21 October 1985 at the Furushiro AI Center in Shimane Prefecture, bred by Mr. Kenji Mukugi.

A son of Dai 7 Itozakura and sire of Itoshigefuji TF147, Itofuji was known, according to Kenichi Ono, for “superior daily gain and early maturity. On the other hand, susceptible to Vitamin A deficiency… and thick boned.” According to Buchanan and Suzuki (AWF), “Dai 7 Itozakura led the Japanese Wagyu industry trend to ‘economically well-balanced’ production; combining growth and fertility with acceptable meat quality. He also sired many of the outstanding ‘economical production’ bulls of the current period, including Itofuji.”

Itoshigefuji TF147 is extremely large for a Fullblood Wagyu bull, weighing roughly 2,640 lbs. According to David Blackmore, “Itoshigefuji has been the most valuable bull used in our breeding herd. His progeny’s carcass quality far exceeded the expectations of his pedigree. The strength, constitution, milk and forage ability has left his daughters the best brood cows in our herd.” In addition, TF147 does marble – see picture (8169U).

Itoshigefuji TF147 has a laudable set of BREEDPLAN figures, being a Trait Leader for Growth Traits – 200-Day Weights (+18); 400-Day Weights (+34); and 600-Day Weights (+44) – and for the maternal trait of Milk EBV (+9), in the top 1%, as well as Trait Leader for Rump Fat EBV (+2.4).

Itoshigefuji TF147 is a carrier of CHS Genetic Defects, and free for all other known Wagyu genetic defects.

LMR Itoshigefuji 8169U – TF147 x Yasufuku Jr – 44.00% IMF

Itozuru Doi TF151 was born March 12, 1991 and exported by Takeda-san in 1997 in the final shipment shortly before he was expelled from the Japanese Wagyu Registry (Zenwa) in that same year. That expulsion ended all exports of Wagyu, live and genetics – all Japanese farmers became too worried about losing their means of livelihood.

Presented by David Blackmore at Australian Wagyu Association Conference, AGM – October 2011

Itozurudoi TF151’s sire, Itokitatsuru J1081 (Tottori), was a son of Dai 7 Itozakura (brother to Kitaguni 7-8 J1530, Itomichi J1158, Itofuji J483, Itofuji J1711, Itohana J809, among many others). In addition to TF151, Itokitatsuru J1081 also sired Itohirashige J1555, who sired Itomoritaka J2703 ETJ002. He is mentioned several times in Volume III of Ono’s tome, and referred to as one of Dai 7’s most famous progeny.

Dai 7 Itozakura was Itokitatsuru J1081’s sire and Kedaka was his maternal grandfather, making Itokitatsuru a blend of Kedaka/Itozakura lines. Itozurudoi’s dam, Yasuhime J433313, was sired by Yasumi Doi J10328, and her dam sire was Kikuteru Doi J10787 – making her a blend of Naka Doi/Kikumi Doi lines. One could not dream up a more diverse bull. He is known as a fabulous composite bull: 50% Tajima; 25% Fujiyoshi; and 25% Kedaka.

Itozurudoi TF151 has an extremely big frame, weighing 2,420 lbs, and carries early maturing traits that produce great fullblood mothers with excellent milk. He is also the best marbling bull of the Fujiyoshi bloodlines, anecdotally. By the time his progeny was tested and his value was discovered, Itozurudoi TF151 was deceased, leaving a very limited supply of semen.

BREEDPLAN figures for Itozurudoi TF151 attest his immense regard: he is a Trait Leader and in the top 2-3% for Milk EBV (+8). He is in the top 1% for Marble Fineness EBV (+0.55). His influence is felt with LMR Akahige 8119U (TF151 x TF600) – see one of his steers (4200B).

Itozurudoi TF151 is a carrier of F11, but free for all remaining known Wagyu genetic defects.

LMR Ms Akahige 4200B (8119U [151 x 600] x Michifuku – 41.16% IMF

TF Itohana 2, born 22 October 1993, was exported to the US by Takeda Farm as a 2 year-old. He was sired by his namesake Itohana J809 (son of Dai 7 Itozakura J65) and used primarily to increase frame size and improve maternal ability – but at the same time, he is thought to be an outstanding sire for amount of marbling, particularly striking coming from a Shimane/Okayama sire. See evidence of his ability as dam sire (1248Y).

Itohana 2 is a linebred Dai 7 Itozakura, with Dai 7 showing up on both strands of his paternal side of his parentage and on both strands of his maternal parentage. Itohana J809 was one of four or five of Dai 7’s most important progeny, Kenichi Ono writes in his tome, Elite Wagyu of Japan, including Itoharunami J766, Itofuji J483, Kitaguni 7の8 J1530, and Itomichi J1158.

Ono wrote extensively about TF Itohana 2’s sire, Itohana J809, who was born 3 August 1978 in Shimane Prefecture. Itohana scored 4.3 on his indirect progeny testing, the highest score recorded in 1985. Even though cattle are normally measured to the top of their hips, measured at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades) Itohana was short and had short legs – and his worth consequently was poor and he was not used widely, even though his progeny testing had been excellent.

Ono continues, “Itohana is the one  bull who most strongly resembled Dai 7 Itozakura in meat quality. If the recognition of  the value of his breeding ability had happened 10 years earlier, I am convinced that Itohana’s value would  have been amongst the top in the country.”

Aino 6 J674297, Itohana 2’s dam, was sired by Itomichi J1158 – which appears to be another case of Modoshi Kohai (or back-crossing) as described in more detail in TF147’s description. David Blackmore writes: “TF Itohana 2 is a product of an ideal matching: a product of the second-generation inbreeding of Dai 7 Itozakura on the paternal side and the second-generation inbreeding of the same on the maternal side.”

The progeny of TF Itohana 2 exhibit excellent maternal ability, good milking ability, and good frame size. He is a calf of Aino 6 –  a notable fact given that 100% of the carcasses (17 of 17 cattle slaughtered) from the Aino group graded A-5 – the highest grade possible – and the average carcass weight was 1,040 lb.

TF Itohana 2 has an exemplary set of BREEDPLAN figures. He is a Trait Leader and in the top 1% to 5% of the breed for Gestation Length EBV (-2.3), Milk EBV (+7), Scrotal EBV (+1.7) and Rump Fat EBV (+2.6), and Carcass Weight EBV (+27). An exceptional, well balanced maternally driven sire.

TF Itohana 2 is a carrier of F11, but free for all remaining known Wagyu genetic defects.

LMR Kitaguni 1248Y – Kitaguni Jr

TF Itomichi 1-2’s sire was Itomichi J1158 and his dam, Dai 2 Kintou J337756, and grandmother, Ezokintou 1A, are high-grade cows of the Haraharashu line. His great-grandmother, Ezokintou J11961, was awarded Grand Prize at the third Zenkyo (All- Japan Wagyu) competition.

TF Itomichi’s paternal grandsire was Dai 7 Itozakura J65, who is listed as 2^nd on Kenichi Ono’s 1999 list of 15 most elite Wagyu, behind only Yasufuku J930 and just before Kitaguni 7の8. His genetics are widely represented in the West by the progeny of his sons: Itomichi J1158 (sired TF Itomichi 1-2); Itofuji J483 (Itoshigefuji TF147); Kitaguni 7の8 (WKS Kitaguni Jr); Itohana J809 (TF Itohana 2 & TF Kikuhana); Itokitazuru J1081 (Itozuru-Doi TF151) and WKS Nakazakura (LMR Kenichi 807T, LMR Ichiban 810T and LMR Kazuki 770T).

TF Itomichi 1-2 was exported to the US by Shogo Takeda in 1995, less than a year before a plea by the National Association for the Registration of Japanese Cattle (Zenwa Cattle Registry) and the Central Council for the Preservation of Prime Japanese Cattle Genes was issued to the public in December 1994 (see below). Mr Takeda was expelled from the Zenwa in 1997.

But Takeda-san was determined to share with the world this fantastic treasure. “In the past, the animal production industries in Japan have received enormous benefit from outside genetics – look at the bloodlines imported in the chicken and pork industries, and Holstein cattle for dairy. All those genetics have been imported into Japan, for our advantage. Why should Wagyu be different? “In my opinion it is not right to restrict Wagyu in this way,” Takeda said in the Australian Wagyu Update, Edition 35, December 2006.

Takeda started to farm in Japan at the age of 27 years and was instrumental in releasing Wagyu genetics to USA. His dream was “to enable the people of the world to enjoy this fabulous meat,” he told the World Wagyu Conference held in Queensland, Australia in May 2015. All Wagyu producers in the West owe Mr Takeda an enormous debt of gratitude for his courage and his tenacity in bringing to our shores the world’s best and most expensive gift.

The Dai Ni Kinto line is known for producing consistently large, quality beef. Itomichi 1-2 has been used to increase milking ability, mature size and growth rate without reducing marbling.

TF Itomichi 1-2 has a fine set of BREEDPLAN figures. He is a Trait Leader and in the top 1% of the breed for Milk EBV (+13) and rump fat EBV (+4.3). He is in the top 5% for ribeye EBV (+3.7) and in the top 10% for carcass weight EBV (+24).

Presented by David Blackmore at Australian Wagyu Association Conference, AGM – October 2011

Dai 20 Hirashige J287 – Kuro Iku – is one of the most significant bulls of the Kedaka line, which was established in the Tottori Prefecture from descendants of the sire Kedaka J7212 – Kuro Iku – born in 1959. Born August 18, 1978, Dai 20 Hirashige was extraordinarily long-lived, 19 years and 8 months, producing over 70,000 calves.

A statue of him stands in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

Dai 20 Hirashige (1978-1998)

The product of a father-daughter mating, Dai 20 Hirashige is a linebred Kedaka sire with a high Inbreeding Coefficient (25% – based on only 2 generations, as this is as much information as contained in the Australian Wagyu database).

His semen is in very short supply these days, but it is still being used, selling for roughly $1,000 per straw (data as of ten years ago). Ono called him “elite of elite,” and his bloodline is regarded as the best of Kedaka. Ono also said he was the “Super Bull” of his time.

He was awarded “Ikushu-Toroku,” a high honor for bulls of his era. Progeny are valued for large frames, peaceful dispositions, and a good balance of qualities.

His son, Hirashigekatsu, is perhaps the most famous sire currently in use in Japan.

Dai 20 Hirashige is represented in the West by his reputable son, Hirashigetayasu ETJ001 and the lesser known ETJ 005 Shigefuku J1822 – both owned by Australian Agricultural Company (AACo), formerly by Westholme Wagyu. The genetic makeup of other sires, with genes attributable to Kedaka: ETJ002 Itomoritaka J2703 (44%); Haruki II (25%); Itozurudoi TF151 (25%); and Kitaguni 7の8 (25%); and others with a lesser amount.

Although Dai 20 Hirashige J287 has no direct performance data to be calculated in BREEDPLAN, his offspring have provided indirect performance figures which have identified him to be in the top 1% for Mature Cow Weight EBV (+55) and Milk EBV (+11), and in the top 5% for Growth (200, 400, and 600 Day-Weight) EBVs and Scrotal EBV (+2.1).

Hirashigetayasu J2351 Hongen – (ETJ001) was born December 27, 1989, and was exported as an 8-year-old by ET Japan to Westholme Wagyu in the USA. Two other bulls, Itomoritaka (ETJ002) and Kitateruyasudoi (ETJ001) were included in that 1997 transaction, along with 20-25 females.

Hirashigetayasu was sired by Dai 20 Hirashige J287 Koru Iku, one of the most significant bulls of the Kedaka line. ETJ001’s dam is Dai 5 Yuruhime J187250 – Koru Koh and his maternal grandsire is the distinguished Tajiri-line Tayasu Doi J7208 – Koru Iku.

According to Kenichi Ono, over 90% of Hyogo-line breeding bulls are Tajiri or Nakadoi line and most of them are sired or grand-sired by Yasumi Doi J10328 (who was sired by Tayasu Doi J7208, who was sired by Tafuku Doi J2685, who was sired by Tajima or Tajiri). That same line produced Yasufuku J930 – and the circle goes around.

So, though Hirashigetayasu (ETJ001) J2351’s Kedaka lineage is displayed with a strong propensity for growth and balance with a larger frame, his maternal line is balanced between marbling (Tajima) and some more growth genetics (Okayama/Tottori).

An official Japanese (Kangen) progeny test showed that at least 80 percent of ETJ001’s steers would gain A5 grade, the highest given to carcasses in Japan. Until the Westholme Wagyu herd was sold to Australian Agricultural Company (AACo), Hirashigetayasu ETJ001 semen was not able to be sold (legally) into the United States.

In the 2017 LMCC Sire Performance Study, Hirashigetayasu ETJ001 ranks as the highest FB Wagyu Sire for Ribeye Area (14.53”²), outranking Shigeshigetani and LMR Masahiko 1250Y and Haruki II.

Hirashigetayasu J2351 ETJ 001 has an exemplary set of BREEDPLAN figures. He is a Trait Leader for all Weight traits (and in the top 1% of the breed): 200-Day EBV (+28), 400-Day EBV (+40), and 600-Day EBV (+52). He is also a Trait Leader and in the top 1% for Milk EBV (+8) and Scrotal Size EBV (+1.9). Additionally, he is in the top 1% for Mature Weight EBV (+59) and Carcass Weight EBV (+34) and in the top 5% for Retail Beef Yield EBV (+1.1).

Hirashigekatsu J2441, of Kagoshima Prefecture, was sired by Dai 20 Hirashige J287 (Kedaka x Kedaka x Hashimoto) and his maternal grandsire is Takarakatsu (Dai 8 Kedaka x Kedaka x Kedaka) out of a dam by Fukuhana 5. Hirashigekatsu’s pedigree is saturated with Kedaka bloodlines.

Hirashigekatsu is one of the best and most balanced bulls and most widely used in all of Japan. He is undoubtedly the most important Kedaka in modern times, after his sire Dai 20 Hirashige J287. Hirashigekatsu is a unique bull, having ability in size, growth, ribeye, and marbling.

Throughout the 1990’s and into the first decades of 2000, Hirashigekatsu was used most successfully in virtually all prefectures of Japan. Mr Taro Araki, publisher of Beef Cattle Magazine, has said that Hirashigekatsu is an ancestor of 50% of the cows in Japan.

Hirashigekatsu is referred to often by the Australian Wagyu Forum (AWF) and the data summarized below must be attributed to the extensive research of Mike Buchanan and Tak Suzuki, for which I am thankful.

Analysis of Japanese bloodlines at calf markets 2006 – 2007: “Hirashigekatsu (Kedaka) takes a dominant position in both weight and marbling categories and will be continuously used for the feeder cattle production. New generations of sires by Hirashigekatsu are now available in Japan.

Greater Tajima bloodlines color results from in the Osaka (Tajima) breeding heartland. Nonetheless, Hirashigekatsu (Kedaka) has again been employed to boost carcass weight. Marbling is maintained by the combination of high marbling bloodlines from Kitaguni 7の8 and Yasufuku 165-9.

Ten Best Japanese FB Wagyu Bulls 2006 – 2007: #2 KATSUTADAHIRA (Kagoshima);

#3 YASUSHIGEKATSU (Shimane); #5 Dai 2 HIRASHIGEKATSU (Kagoshima); #7 FUJIHIRASHIGE (Okayama) – all four were sired by Hirashigekatsu.

Tokyo Auction Market Results 2007

(WWW.AUSTRALIANWAGYUFORUM.COM.AU)

Hirashigekatsu was also a winning pedigree throughout the Zenkyo competition held in Tottori in 2007.

Analysis of Japanese bloodlines at calf markets 2009-2010: “Kedaka line sires continue to dominate, largely due to the consistent influence of Hirashigekatsu in delivering superior marbling and excellent carcass weights. Six of the top 10 bulls are sons of Hirashigekatsu.”

Ten Best Japanese FB Wagyu Bulls 2009 – 2010: #2 Shigekatsusakae (Iwate);

#3 KATSUTADAHIRA (Kagoshima); #5 YURISHIGE (Kagoshima); #8 KATSUHIRAMASA (Miyazaki); #9. YASUSHIGEKATSU (Shimane); #10. TADAFUJI (Miyazaki) – all sired by Hirashigekatsu:

Tokyo Auction Market Results 2009

(WWW.AUSTRALIANWAGYUFORUM.COM.AU)

In 2012 at the 10^th Zenkyo (National Carcass Contest) held in Nagasaki Prefecture, Hirashigekatsu sired four of the top six carcasses (including 1^st and 2^nd Place) – the winning carcass, Suekatsu was from Miyazaki Prefecture, sired by Katsuhiramatsu and grandsired by Hirashigekatsu. The dam of Katsuhiramatsu was Yasumi, a Tajima cow, sired by Yasuhira and grandsired by Yasufuku J930. Pictured is the pedigree of the Champion Carcass. Note the prevalence of many of the bulls discussed in this bull guide.

Hirashigekatsu genetics are currently unavailable outside of Japan.

2012 Nagasaki Carcass Champion Steer Pedigree